Facts About Heroin Addiction

Heroin use is a continually growing problem in the United States and all over the world. Drugstatistics.com says, "The 1999 National Household Survey on drug abuse estimated that there were 149,000 new heroin users in 1998 and that nearly 80 percent were under the age of 26." Heroin has become a mythical drug, and the facts about the drug and addiction to heroin can be daunting. Movies like "Trainspotting" paint a terrifying picture of painful withdrawal and hallucination. To understand heroin addiction, it is important to understand why it is so addictive and to understand the effects addiction can have on an addict's life. Source: ehow.com



About Heroin

Heroin is most commonly injected into the arm using a syringe. However, heroin can also be snorted and smoked, though injection remains the most common form. It originates from the opium poppy, a plant found around the world. Opium poppy is also used in the creation of opium and morphine. In fact, all three of these drugs are powerful pain killers. When it was first discovered, heroin was manufactured by Bayer for use as pain medicine. Morphine is still used in the medical field as a highly effective pain killer. All three of these drugs are also highly addictive.

Why So Addictive?

It is heroin and other opiates' pain-killing nature that makes them so addictive. The body manufactures a substance called endorphins, which are also an opioid. Endorphins are used to numb pain during a major injury. They are also used when the body moves and exercises, giving the tearing muscles and aching joints a boost of endorphins which makes exercise pleasurable. Endorphins also come into play during sex. As a result of our use of endorphins, our body is filled with opioid receptors. Heroin is basically a concentrated form of endorphins. It simulates an endorphin rush that is much more powerful than natural. This is what makes the drug so addictive. It hits at the very essence of what gives human beings physical pleasure. Few drugs operate on the human body in such a primal fashion.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal is another reason that heroin is so addictive. Heroin withdrawal symptoms are said to be some of the worst an addict can suffer through. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: dilated pupils, goose bumps, insomnia, loss of appetite, tremors, panic, nausea, muscle cramps, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, shaking and irritability. Instead of suffering through these symptoms, addicts find it easier to continue their unhealthy addiction. The reason these symptoms are so intense is related to the way heroin replaces endorphins in the human body. The body becomes dependent on the unnatural high of heroin opioids. The body begins to think that it is normal to feel that constant rush of pleasure. When it is taken away, the body aches in a horrific and painful manner. Many addicts would rather continue their unhealthy addiction rather than suffering through these symptoms.

Short-Term Effects

Beyond withdrawal symptoms, the health risks of heroin addiction are numerous. Short term effects include a feeling of euphoria, a warm flush of the skin, dry mouth, drowsiness, heavy arms and legs, cloudy mental function and a slower breathing rate. These short-term effects are what's referred to as the "high." The addicts become accustomed to these euphoric feelings and probably have no idea that even the occasional, casual use of heroin can lead to respiratory failure. Even if the addict knows, he probably doesn't care. Long-term effects can be even more serious.

Long-Term Effects

Long-term effects include infection of the heart lining and valves, liver disease, kidney disease and pulmonary complications. Addicts who inject and share needles put themselves at high risk for HIV and hepatitis C. They also are prone to scarred or collapsed veins, abscesses, pneumonia and tuberculosis. Overdose is also a common problem amongst heroin users. The high from heroin eventually tapers off, and more of the drug has to be used each time to achieve that same high. Using too much can lead to seizures, brain damage and even death. Often, heroin is very impure and is mixed with sugar, starch and other questionable chemicals.

Read more »

Overcome Heroin Addiction

Heroin (diacetylmorphine (INN)), also known as diamorphine (BAN, or, especially in older literature, as morphine diacetate), is a semi-synthetic opioid drug synthesized from morphine, a derivative of the opium poppy. It is the 3,6-diacetyl ester of morphine (di-acetyl-morphine) and a morphine prodrug. The white crystalline form is commonly the hydrochloride salt diacetylmorphine hydrochloride, though, when supplied illegally, it is often adulterated, thus dulling the sheen and consistency from that to a matte white powder, which diacetylmorphine freebase typically is. 90% of illicit diamorphine (heroin) is thought to be produced in Afghanistan. Source: wikipedia,ehow.com



Spot Signs of Heroin Use

Heroin is synthesized directly from the morphine in opium poppy seeds. It mimics the action of naturally occurring endorphins on the brain by producing euphoria and is the most addictive of all the opiates. Injection is the most effective way of using low-quality heroin but snorting and smoking are becoming more popular due to the risks of sharing needles. The following steps will show:

Look for changes in behavior. Children who have started using heroin may suddenly replace old friends with new ones and there may be a dramatic drop in grades or job performance.

Watch for physical changes because of heroin use. Heroin users may develop runny noses and eyes, constricted pupils and spend an unusually large amount of time sleeping or exhibit apathy or lethargy. A regular user may have an unkempt appearance and begin to neglect their hygiene.

Find unusual items around the house such as capsules, small plastic bags, syringes, packaging material for antihistamines or unusual residue in the coffee-bean grinder. Cash or other valuables may be missing and a sudden pattern of stealing or borrowing money appears. On the other hand, you also may find unexplained valuables.

Notice other clues to indicate heroin use. A heroin user may wear winter clothes during the summer to hide needle marks.

Treat Heroin Addiction


As Heroin is one of the most addictive substances on the planet, and overcoming addiction is very difficult due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms. While methadone substitution has historically been the most common method of helping a heroin addict, alternative ways to treat heroin addiction are of increasing interest to addiction treatment professionals.

Act early, if possible. A heroin addict's chances of recovery are greatly increased if the problem is addressed quickly, rather than after years of drug abuse.

Understand that methadone substitution has a strong track record for helping heroin addicts recover. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that controls heroin cravings by blocking heroin's effects on the body, eliminating withdrawal symptoms. However, the waiting list at a methadone clinic may be lengthy, forcing the addict to consider other possibilities.

New alternative drug therapies are gaining momentum among addiction treatment professionals. In particular, the use of dihydrocodeine and buprenorphine are becoming increasingly widespread. Buprenorphine is similar to methadone, but with less effective opioid action and much lower risk of creating a physical dependence of its own. Dihydrocodeine, a relative newcomer, is attractive because it comes at a fraction of the cost of methadone and is considered safer, less toxic and equally effective.

Sign the heroin addict up for behavioral therapy. Professionals universally recognize the effectiveness of therapy as a treatment method. Cognitive-behavioral interventions, in which the therapist attempts to help the user understand what led them to addictive behavior in the first place, has been successful. However, many experts agree that behavioral therapy is most effective when combined with other treatments, particularly methadone or an equivalent.

Be prepared for a difficult battle. While the most acute heroin withdrawal symptoms typically abate within a week of discontinued use of the drug, a general irritability and craving for heroin can linger for months or years afterwards. Psychological and physical cravings for the drug are the leading cause of relapse in users who have been treated for addiction. Continued medical care and therapy is necessary to overcome heroin addiction.

Stay positive. With proper care and a strong will, heroin addiction can be beaten.

Read more »